22 May 2023 | 08:58 PM UTC
Nigeria: Armed assailants kill at least 18 people in Iye, Guma LGA, May 21
Suspected armed herders kill at least 18 people in Iye village, Guma LGA, Nigeria, May 21. Increased security likely.
Event
Suspected armed herders stormed the village of Iye in Guma Local Government Area (LGA), killing at least 18 people May 21. Reports indicate that at least four Nigerian soldiers who responded to the incident were among those killed. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, eyewitness reports suggest the Fulani herdsmen may be responsible. While the motive remains unclear, the incident is likely related to a conflict between competing communities of farmers and pastoralists.
Heightened security is likely across the Guma LGA to prevent further attacks in the short term. Officials could impose movement restrictions, such as curfews. Locals may stage protests to denounce the perceived government's inaction to stem the violence. Further violence is possible in the coming weeks, including retaliatory attacks from aggrieved communities.
Context
Communal violence is a widespread issue in the central belt of Nigeria. It primarily stems from land use and water rights disputes between agricultural-based communities and nomadic pastoral herders, as well as smaller localized incidents such as shrine desecrations. The problem has persisted, defying attempts at resolution. Such violence is frequent in Benue State, with clashes resulting in numerous fatalities over recent years.
There has been a significant uptick in violence in Benue. On May 11, Fulani herdsmen killed at least 28 people in Mbawa, Guma LGA; while in early April, two separate attacks left at least 28 people dead at a camp for internally displaced people in the Guma LGA and 47 dead in the Otukpo LGA. In early March, up to 50 people died during similar violence in the Kwande LGA. While violence is unlikely to target foreign personnel, the incidental threat remains.
Advice
Consider deferring travel to areas of Benue State where communal violence is known to occur frequently. If such travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution. Refrain from traveling at night. Heed instructions issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
